14 10 / 2010
Crappy Coffee Contest Cards
It is a sad day for the designer community of Coffee Bean.
I just stumbled upon the final 10 designs picked by lord knows who (I’d like to see their papers that credit them as proper judges, mind you). Needless to say, I was disgusted.
The Contest explicitly asks Coffee Beaners to contribute CREATIVITY and ORIGINAL concepts. All are encouraged to enter. Natch. When I found out the reward was about a year’s supply of free coffee, my tastebuds eagerly reached for a nearby pencil and paper, dropping all trivial things such as, you know, work deadlines.
A few days later, satisfied with my final piece, critiqued by esteemed colleagues of my design circle, I submitted my artwork confidently expecting to at least place in the final ten.
(My submission)
The top 10.
I was livid. I was enraged. I spat out the filth that they call comfort in a cup. I kicked my desk and then cried a little. When I finished acting like the youtube sensation that is War Craft Kid, I wiped my screen and went to customer service and wrote a lengthy and marvelous letter.
To Whom It May Concern:
As an avid consumer of your beverages and visitor of your local cafes, I was so excited to contribute to the gift card design contest your stores have recently campaigned.
I am sad to say, however, I was deeply offended and upset by the final selection. Although, it’s true, that design and art is subjective—I can definitely say that the majority of the final pieces lack inspiration and actually fall under the act of plagiarism. (See Nicholas Silleto’s submission along with Corner Bakery’s promotional design).
Is this the face you’d like to see featured in your store, and as a part of the Coffee Bean Merchandise? I thank you for offering me years of happiness for beverages and comfort in your cafe, but your designs have often looked to me uninspired and lacking. It is for this very reason that I encourage you with all your endeavors as I move my way to various other local cafe’s around my neighborhood.
Thank you for your time,
-Tarek Kholaki
A disappointed and defeated-once loyal-customer.
Sent. Was it long? yes. Ridiculous? sure. Uncalled for? Absolutely not! Although my passion for good design may be radically charged by my rejection, I am still fighting on to make sure that none of these lacking and uninspired pieces of crap make it to stores. I encourage you all to do the same!Coffee Bean needs to step up its game already. Time to play with the big boys.
